With the COVID-19 outbreak forcing the cancellation of all high school spring sports, local high seniors were forced to deal with the abrupt reality that their prep careers were over. A group of these student-athletes were members of the Cincinnati Reds RBI program, many of who were also regulars at the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy over the years. With our Senior Spotlight Series, the Reds want to recognize these players for their efforts and wish them well in their future endeavors, both on and off the field.

It is widely believed that picking up a sport at a very young age is the key to mastering it and bettering your chances at playing in college and beyond. St. Xavier senior Brynmore Langley has proven that isn’t always the case.

Langley, who is bound for the College of Wooster this fall, didn’t start playing baseball until he was 12. He played basketball and soccer as a youngster. Langley found them easier to pick up, so he stuck to them at an early age. It wasn’t until some grade school friends encouraged him to start playing baseball that he decided to give it a try.

He had been looking to play a sport that would challenge him a little more than basketball and soccer and teach him how to handle failure, and baseball did just that. It didn’t take long for him to learn that his skill level was far behind his peers.

“The majority of the people I played with and against had been playing since T-ball,” Langley said. “It was definitely a slow start for me. My coordination wasn’t the best. I struck out countless times and vividly remember the hits I got my first season playing because I had so few. Little details in my throwing, like my release point, were off, which resulted in inaccurate throws. I almost felt bad for not being able to contribute as much to the team.”

The difficult start did not deter Langley. It made him work harder and want to play more. He applied the tips he received from his coaches, soaking in as much information as he could and using these pointers as his base for learning as he gradually developed.

Before he knew it, he was rapidly improving and found that he had caught up to the skill level of his age group.

“It was a constant struggle and many failures came my way, and I didn’t know how to handle it at first,” Langley said. “With commitment and perseverance, I learned a lot my first couple of years playing baseball. I enjoyed the game and learned so much that I wanted to continue playing.”

Langley began attending the Reds Youth Academy when he was 14, which aided in his development. He participated in private instruction and other RBI programs before joining one of the Reds RBI summer teams soon after.

It was through the Academy and Reds RBI that Langley formed some of his best baseball memories, most of which didn’t take place on the field. What he enjoyed most was volunteering at the Academy. Helping younger kids develop at events like Fun At Bat and other youth clinics is something that he wants to continue doing even though his time at the Academy is over.

What he also takes away from his time with RBI is the camaraderie.

“On top of my baseball experience, I got to meet new people and formed great relationships with my teammates and coaches” he said. “One of my most unforgettable experiences was being a part of the 2019 All-Star Commissioner's Cup team. Despite the age gap between some of us, we all got along so well. The strong bond we had is one of the many reasons why we were successful throughout the tournament. Forming those friendships and developing leadership is what I will remember most.”

As Langley prepares for the next step of his life and baseball career at the College of Wooster, he doesn’t forget any of the people who played a part in where he is today.

“I am grateful for all of my RBI coaches who pushed me to my limits and beyond,” Langley said. “I want to thank Coach Omar Velazquez for all his guidance throughout my recruiting process. I also want to thank Coach [Mark] Fowler for putting an emphasis on having fun when playing baseball and teaching us that no matter the outcome of the game, there is always something to learn.

“Having mentors like Coach Fowler, Coach Omar, Coach Dan [Guttridge] and all my summer coaches helping with my baseball skills and becoming a leader has really shaped a bright future for me.”

Langley credits his RBI coaches for much of his success, but the coaches were equally thrilled to work with such a special young man.

“Bryn is the type of player every coach wants to have on their team,” Guttridge said. “He’s gained the respect of his teammates, coaches and instructors through his ‘silent warrior’ mentality. He’s coachable, a positive influence amongst his teammates and he leads by example. Whether he realizes it or not, his peers look up to him. Bryn has worked hard to hone his craft and give himself an opportunity to play at the next level. I’m proud of the ballplayer and young man he has become, and I know he will continue to represent his family and the Reds Academy well in this next chapter.”